WTC Final: Steve Smith opens up on his future, keeps India tour plans under wraps

Australian cricket star Steve Smith has indicated he is taking his Test career "day by day" and avoiding thoughts about potential tours to England and India in 2027. The 36-year-old veteran's immediate focus remains on the upcoming ICC World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's starting June 11, following his impressive form of four centuries in his last five Tests against India and Sri Lanka.

Smith recently retired from ODI cricket in March after accumulating 5,800 runs in 170 appearances, including 12 centuries and two World Cup victories. His last ODI appearance featured a 73-run knock against India in the Champions Trophy semifinal.

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While Smith hasn't played T20 internationals since February 2024 and hasn't participated in the IPL since 2021, he maintains his interest in the shorter format. He plans to play two Major League Cricket matches for Washington Freedom between the WTC final and Australia's first Test against West Indies in late June.

"I am definitely not looking that far ahead," Smith said regarding the 2027 tours. "I am kind of taking it day by day. While I am enjoying it, while I am batting nicely and feeling like I am contributing to the team, I am pretty happy. But that [2027] is a while away."



Speaking about Lord's Cricket Ground, Smith expressed his deep appreciation for the venue. "I think it is probably, outside of Sydney, my favourite ground to play at. The history, the surface itself. It always takes a few balls just to get used to that slope. One end, you feel like you are standing really tall, the other end, you feel like you are falling over a little bit. But the ball races away, both up the hill and down the hill."

He added further thoughts about Lord's: "And then the lunch is fabulous. They always say it is a great place to miss out so you can enjoy your lunch. Fortunately, or unfortunately, the last few years I have done really well there, so I have not been able to cash in on that."

Smith's record in England is impressive, with 2,255 runs in 22 Tests at an average of 55.00, including eight centuries and nine fifties. At Lord's specifically, he has scored 525 runs in five Tests, with two centuries and two fifties in nine innings.

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His overall Test career statistics are remarkable, having scored 10,271 runs in 116 Tests at an average of 56.74, with 36 centuries and 41 fifties. This makes him Australia's fourth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket.

The upcoming World Test Championship final will see Pat Cummins leading Australia as they attempt to retain the championship mace won against India in June 2023 at the Oval.

South Africa, under Temba Bavuma's leadership, will be seeking their first ICC trophy in over two decades.

The Australian squad for the final includes Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, and Matt Kuhnemann, with Brendan Doggett as the traveling reserve.

Smith has also expressed interest in representing Australia in the Olympics, aiming to secure a gold medal for his country.